4 ways cloud-based property management systems deliver for hoteliers
by LAURA CALIN
Today’s travelers have expectations that are higher than ever, as they’ve come to desire more seamless and personalized experiences. To meet these increased guest demands, hoteliers need advanced technology, and they’re turning to hospitality technology platforms that offer them a holistic view of their business on and above property.
While on-premise PMS platforms were suitable in years past, they no longer meet modern expectations for the kind of highly personalized, low-touch experiences guests desire. Hoteliers managing multiple properties across their portfolios with on-premise PMS are stuck with disjointed data using multiple systems for a variety of front-end and back-end operations. As a result, valuable time and resources are wasted gathering and interpreting data, creating unnecessary stress for management and friction points for guests.
A cloud-based hospitality platform with property and brand management capabilities can simplify every level of business. Having records and data in the cloud that are readily accessible for stakeholders helps provide a full 360-degree view of the business in real-time, across all managed properties. Further, cloud computing enables hoteliers to streamline their operations and free up more time to focus on providing personalized guest services.
Here are four key benefits hoteliers could see from a cloud-based hospitality platform.
Modern approach to cybersecurity
A cloud-based hospitality platform is more secure and can help better protect valuable transactional and customer data. While with on-premise PMS, unforeseen circumstances can lead to data being lost forever if there’s damage to onsite hardware. In contrast, a cloud-based hospitality platform can give hoteliers confidence they can access their data in real-time remotely. That way, in the event of an emergency, hoteliers can focus on finding a solution without having to also worry about an unanticipated loss of data or a potential security breach.
Elevated experiences for loyalty members
A cloud-based hospitality platform better equips hoteliers to deliver personalized experiences for guests that can lead to overall enhanced guest loyalty. For example, if a guest has previously stayed at a different property within a group of properties managed together, hotel staff can still access the guest’s transaction history to learn about their preferences. Armed with this information, hotel staff can better anticipate the wants and needs of each guest and make relevant recommendations to ensure guests are receiving an enhanced experience that can make them feel more at home, even on the road.
Maximized revenue and occupancy
The ever-changing marketplace conditions in the hospitality industry can make it difficult for hotels to swiftly adapt to the changing needs of its guests while still satisfying business needs.
With the ability to access larger data sets and compare rate offers, a cloud-based hospitality platform automatically simplifies rate management by cross-checking with other offers while simultaneously up-selling. This helps hoteliers manage rates efficiently while boosting revenue and maximizing hotel occupancy.
Improved performance based on real-time data
A cloud-based hospitality platform provides hoteliers more access to historic and real-time data across properties. Having this expansive data at their fingertips can be used to help increase efficiency for property-level staff members. The data also helps management oversee room management issues and assists hotel staff in handling all facets of room supervision including availability, maintenance, housekeeping, and facility management. On a macro level, hoteliers can make more informed business decisions and produce more insightful reports by incorporating forecasts and historical data.
With these key benefits in mind, hoteliers can discover which cloud-based hospitality platform will be best to suit their individualized needs. There are now cloud-based solutions that offer open integrations that allow hoteliers to access a wide range of solutions that can help customize their property to the changing needs of guests. This ensures hoteliers can provide unique offerings and can stay ahead of their competition. With streamlined operations and the ability to quickly access data and pivot, hoteliers can drive revenue and focus on delighting their guests.
Laura Calin is the Vice President of Strategy and Solutions Management for Oracle Hospitality. An acclaimed industry leader with 25 years of experience in hospitality, product management, and global business development, she’s responsible for charting the direction of Oracle Hospitality’s cloud services and solution portfolio for the hotels, casinos, and cruise verticals.
